Today, on International Women’s Day, we're honored to share the inspiring journey of Emily and Charlotte, two remarkable women whose friendship and collaboration have made a significant impact on generations over the years.
Their story began in 2019 when Emily, a student at the esteemed Academy of Contemporary Music, joined an Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) project bringing together residents from Bernard Sunley Care Home and students from the International School in Woking. This project, led by Charlotte (Director of IMM) a passionate Music Therapist and an advocate for intergenerational work, became the foundation of their friendship.
With Charlotte's expertise in music therapy and community health plus Emily's background in music and international development, they formed a powerful partnership. Together, they founded Together with Music, an initiative aimed at fostering connections across generations through music during the pandemic. The online community of 78,000 people came together digitally and latterly in person through the magic of music. Their efforts were recognised with sector awards like National Campaign for The Arts (Best Arts Project), Market 3rd Sector Care Awards, The National Children & Young People Awards, Great British Care Awards, The Health Creation Alliance, features on Comic Relief and the BBC One Big Thank You plus the Prime Ministers Community Champion award, showcasing their innovative approach. Together with Music is one of many great achievements that Charlotte and Emily achieved together. Amongst others, we have the Move & Groove programme in partnership with Youth Sport trust, Youth Social Action projects funded and supported by the iWill fund, music therapy posts across hospitals and care commissioning groups in Surrey and many other projects supported by hundreds of partners acquired together throughout the years.
Through working together, sparking ideas, gaining experience and watching the tangible results of innovative projects, hubs and research initiatives, Charlotte and Emily have taken on pivotal roles as consultants shaping policy and creative health solutions. Using their experience which includes youth social action projects and music therapy for dementia patients within hospitals. They are now working to change attitudes and ways of working across all sectors from housing and social care to education and health. Their work expanding to co-founding Intergenerational England aiming to influence policy and creative health solutions across sectors such as housing, social care, education, and health.
Charlotte said:
“Amidst our professional pursuits, we have remained steadfast in nurturing our friendship with moments of levity and camaraderie. Whether brainstorming strategic endeavours or engaging in musical interludes within care home, hospitals and school settings, Emily and I have maintained a genuine connection.
Our journey stands as a testament to the transformative potential of intergenerational collaboration. It underscores the profound impact that can be achieved when individuals from diverse backgrounds unite in pursuit of a common goal.”
Emily said:
“Although there is an 18-year age difference between Charlotte and I, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Our shared passion for music and mission to create a society for all ages is a bond that makes age irrelevant. Our different life experience means we each bring our own perspective. We are both relentless in our mission to inspire and pave the way for a brighter future and hope we are an example to people everywhere that age is just a number and connecting people across the generations can enrich lives. I am so grateful for Charlotte and the friendship we have built outside of our professional endeavours. Her drive and determination have deeply inspired me, and her support has enabled me to grow both personally and professionally. There is no-one else I would rather be on this exciting journey with.”
Here's to the countless women around the globe who inspire, lead, and pave the way for a brighter future. Happy International Women's Day!